hopefully

adverb

Definition of hopefullynext
as in optimistically
in a positive or optimistic manner They waited hopefully for the doctor to update them on their friend's condition. When the sun appeared, we asked hopefully if everyone remembered to bring sunblock.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hopefully Lost Women, for us, is one about being restorative of lives and voices and bringing some resolution, hopefully, to families. — Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026 Trump will leave office, anti-Trump anger will subside, and hopefully peace will come to the Middle East. — Andrew Cuomo, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026 Asset protection is what hopefully will protect at least some minimal amount of assets if everything else goes South. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Unlike last year's extremely confusing soiree hosted by Jimmy Fallon, this year will hopefully present fewer awkward and cringeworthy moments. — Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hopefully
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hopefully
  1. optimistically
  2. happily
  3. cheerfully
  4. confidently
  5. joyfully
  6. positively
  7. joyously
Adverb
  • The bill’s supporters optimistically stress how Thune has promised there will be a vote in September.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The doc ends optimistically with a brief shot of the Tesla Roadster prototype.
    — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 26 July 2026
Definition of optimistically
Adverb
  • Highlights and experiences You could happily treat Luura as a gallery with a pool.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Reporters and athletic administrators are among his most devoted buyers and coaches happily take his calls each year.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of happily
Adverb
  • Her workspace is cheerfully cluttered with Yankees memorabilia—pretty much what a twelve-year-old might fantasize a Yankees executive’s office to look like.
    — Bruce Handy, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The group cheerfully lifted beer cans and waved around hats, with one person even holding up their toddler for the shot.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of cheerfully
Adverb
  • Below, Forbes Coaches Council members share advice to help C-suite job seekers address résumé gaps confidently and effectively.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The mental health provider was receiving more calls than its staff could confidently answer, creating challenges for patients attempting to reach the organization.
    — Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of confidently
Adverb
  • Elsewhere, attendees will no doubt flock to the Sicilian Oranges dome clock, joyfully rendered in a rich palette of transparent, opalescent and opaque enamels in 49 colours, coupled with miniature enamel painting in more than five pastel hues.
    — Ming Liu, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Williams and Zolotin joyfully lock hands, sing, and goof off in the behind-the-scenes clip.
    — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026
Definition of joyfully
Adverb
  • Employees can answer the first question positively while simultaneously giving a negative response to the second.
    — John Radman, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The drive didn’t start positively as the Willis’ first two passes fell to the ground.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of positively
Adverb
  • But those scenes of coming together joyously around this team, this diverse team, this remarkable team from all points, [Folarin] Balogun himself a birthright citizen leading this.
    — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
  • At the same time, the episode still leaves space for slower beats, including some joyously non-essential downtime moments.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 14 July 2026
Definition of joyously

Browse Nearby Words

hopeful
hopefully
hopefulness
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Cite this Entry

“Hopefully.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hopefully. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hopefully

Nglish: Translation of hopefully for Spanish Speakers

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